RC Network
At its simplest the RC network is a series circuit consisting of a capacitor and a resistor connected to a source.
If we discharge a capacitor,...
Capacitors consist of two metal plates separated by a layer of insulating material called a dielectric.
Capacitance is measured in units called farads (F). A farad is a very...
The operational amplifier was originally developed for analogue computing (our PCs are digital computers) and when introduced were complex and expensive components. Now they are in...
Transistors are solid state electronic switches. Solid state means that there are no moving parts, and the switching action is regulated by the arrangement of the semiconductor materials.
A...
A resistive transducer is a device that senses a change to cause a change in resistance. Transducers do NOT generate electricity. Examples include:
Device
Action
Where used
Light Dependent Resistor
Resistance falls with increasing light level
Light operated switches
Thermistor
Resistance falls...
Silicon Diodes and Zener Diodes
Diodes are one-way electrical valves that allow current to flow in one direction only.
Click HERE to find out how diodes are made.
...
Grounding
In many circuits, a zero reference point is shown connected to earth, or grounded.
In this circuit, the point Y has been connected to ground, and is at 0 V. Therefore point X could be...
Logic gates are at the heart of digital electronics. In digital electronics, we need to know nothing about electricity, other than the difference between on (1) and off (0).
Digital electronics...
Electronic systems consist of:
· An input device to sense changes, e.g. a light detector
· A processor that responds to the change
· An output device that enables the system to do something useful.
· There may...
